As of Oct. 9, 24 percent of the state is in extreme or exceptional drought conditions—the worst of five stages [see graphic below]. Three months ago, 73.6 percent of the state was in that state. “Significant improvements in drought conditions were recorded in Yuma, Yavapai, Coconino, western Maricopa, southern Navajo, and northern Gila counties,” said the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Despite the short-term improvement, Arizona and much of the Southwest remains in the midst of a relative dry period—a drought—that’s lasted nearly two decades.